No more interesting developments like Parnelli Jones's 1967 turbine car that almost won the race.
Posted on 05/26/2005 1:34:46 PM PDT by ZGuy
ABC Sports replaced veteran Indianapolis 500 announcer Paul Page, known as the Voice of the 500, with Todd Harris in an effort to boost buzz and ratings.
The network described Harris, 39, as one of the "most respected young talents" in broadcasting.
Page, a 28-year broadcast veteran, told his hometown Indianapolis Star he was "terribly disappointed" by ABC's move.
"I love doing the Indy 500," said Page, 59, who will handle other sports duties for ABC and ESPN. "It's all I ever really wanted to do."
It was the second time ABC pulled Page from the broadcast booth. Page joined the broadcast in 1988 and was replaced with Al Michaels in 1999. Page returned as the Indy 500 voice in 2002.
ABC, which has broadcast the Indianapolis 500 since 1971, struggled throughout the 1990s with declining ratings that hit their lowest ever last year.
Growing up, my hero's were Tom Sneva, AJ, and Rick Mears. My whole world as a kid revolved around going to the track from the day it opened 'til race day. Now, it barely registers. The split did me in and I don't think it will ever be the same.
The one thing that still brings a tear to my eye race day is when Jim Nabors sings.
Race on!
The track has never looked better and the race is as great as it always has been.
DBR-(Atendee since 1978- when I was a mere child. :] )
Did you see post #22! :)
You hit the nail on the head, I also remember $5 infield tickets and you could see the race!!
Hehee! Lots of peeps don't get the 500. Their loss. I am catching my flight to Indy soon and the Hubby is with the kids for the whole weekend!! Cool!
No more interesting developments like Parnelli Jones's 1967 turbine car that almost won the race.
Johnny Rutherford was my man. Oh my goodness. Handsome, fearless, he was born on my birthday (March 12), former art student.
I had the chance to meet him at the track about 5 years ago on a practice day. I was still so star-shocked that I never asked for an autograph after we talked.
I took my kids to practice last year and ran into Al Unser Sr. in the museum. He was wandering around like an average joe. He was as nice as he could be and spent about ten minutes talking to the kids.
Seems like todays drivers are too wrapped up in their own self glorification to give their fans the time of day like the old days.
"Has any event gone to irrelevance as dramatically as the Indy 500? I remember as a kid, I couldn't wait to listen to it on the radio. Now it's a barely a blip on the radar screen.
No doubt! I wonder what caused this - did we change, or did the race change? Or both?"
Ever heard of Tony George? Thats what caused this.
Were you old enough to remember 1965 when Scotland's Formula One champion Jim Clark shocked everyone to win the Indy 500 in his tiny Lotus-Ford?
Sadly, he's no longer with us, but truly one of the greatest motor racing drivers of all time.
As a kid I went to see an Indy car race at Brands Hatch in England. I think AJ Foyt won the race and we were lucky enough to be given one of Al Unser's visors.
Grew up "watching" the race on radio in the 40's. Still get chils down my spine when I remember them taking the winner around the last lap. Don't remember all the names, but Howdy Holmes was always reporting from the back stretch.
I'll watch the Indy 500, I do every year. Why? Next to Formula 1 racing, Indy car is the best.
The other reason is......it's NOT NASCAR.
I've been watching the early practice laps. Good to see some women drivers doing well. I can't wait to watch the race.
Yes, I can't really follow NASCAR either. This year's Formula One season is much more exciting because Schumacher won't be running away with it - for once.
Jim Clark was the best!
I was going to flag you to this thread. Who's going to win the race?
Good to see you too, JJ!
I like Tony Kanaan or Dario Franchitti. :)
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